The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is set to remain closed through the rest of the season after a major wildfire that spread through the Grand Canyon Lodge, the well-known landmark since the 1930s.
The fire, the Dragon Bravo Fire, was launched by lightning on July 4 and quickly spread with dry weather and high winds. Initially it was fought a “confine and contain” approach, but then intensified over the weekend.
The authorities confirmed that over 50 structures were consumed by the fire, such as the Grand Canyon Lodge, staff housing, a gas station, visitor facilities, and a wastewater treatment plant. The lodge was the only in-park hotel on the North Rim.
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs asked for a probe into the National Park Service’s initial plan to allow the fire to burn.
The North Rim, with some 10% of the Grand Canyon’s annual visitors, will stay shut for the rest of the year. Meanwhile, crews are battling another massive wildfire—known as the White Sage Fire—burning north of the canyon.
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